Double Digits

We threw a party for Savannah's 10th birthday and usually we let her choose but this time we chose since it is a special birthday. She was utterly surprised when she found out it was going to be at her favorite local water park. We had a slumber/sleep over party and it was so much fun. I really enjoyed watching them all and it is bittersweet noticing each year are how much she's grown little more than the year before. This year is a definite change - not only has she gotten taller (yes, all the school clothes I bought at the end of August are now floods) but she is maturing into a young lady. Nope. My baby is no longer a baby - but at least she still lets me hold her like one.

The pictures say it all:

We even got Bear Bear to pose!

Wrapping up 2013

A wonderful Christmas Season. Some of my favorite pictures say it best:

This was my Christmas gift. I have always wanted a Nativity Set - but since I have become Christian I wanted something that spoke to my heart that I could treasure for a lifetime. I still remember the one mom had when I was a kid. Even though it was cardboard cutout I still remember looking at it and pondering on Jesus every Christmas. Now I have my own and one that I can pass on to my kids one day.

The three Wise Kings, they have real myrrh, frankincense, and gold in their treasure boxes.

Savannah counting down!

Bear loves his duck and his new pillow.

Pugsley with her new stuffy in her new bed.

Jake - isn't he becoming more handsome each day?

Bear posing for the camera. It is always hard to keep him still on Christmas morning with all the excitement of the family and all the commotion.

The dogs relaxing in their new beds side by side.

I love Savannah's expression as she opened her Nintendo 3DS.

Just a little excited aren't we?

And for the #1 Cowboys fan - Jake picked a perfect gift. This mug is over-sized for plenty of room for coffee. 

We had lots of snow as you can see. I love white Christmases!

Our home on Christmas morning - it was snowing!

Checking the list twice at Nature's Way breakfast with Santa

For New Year's Savannah and I made home made pizza and cut-out cookies. We rented some movies and stayed up for the new year. Today we will be making prime rib and crab as per tradition. Happy New year!

Summer's Gone

Summer's come and gone, although out here I only felt like we got one week of summer weather. It was too cool to even bother with going swimming (for me it has to be hot before I like to go to an outdoor pool).

End of August we went out to Utah for a family reunion and...well...had a blast. It was nice to be together (semi-together) with family. We laughed and talked and had a good old fashioned time. The thing I loved the most was conversation....not via telephone, or email, or Facebook. Now if you know my family you'd know we all talk at the same time so there usually isn't a lot of listening LOL.

Michael had a rough spot and seems to be okay. I talk to him from time to time and will continue to pray - he has so much to overcome but it can be done. Jake has started school for his Auto Tech program at NWTC and has gone to part time status at his work. He is finding how crazy busy a full schedule is and how to manage his time well. Savannah is also now in school. I cannot believe she is in fourth grade! However when she shooed me off the first day of school I knew my baby was not so much my baby any more (at least in front of her friends).

Charlie's job has made some good changes and his duties have become less stressful. My job will be expanding into the new portion of the building which is pretty exciting considering we are using 70's style desks and wall paneling!

Well tomorrow is the first day of Autumn, I am slowly but surely growing into the idea. Goodbye summer...I'll miss you.